Student support takes a village – but you need to create one firstTo support students from diverse backgrounds, universities should actively foster supportive communities. For the University of Auckland, this meant creating a ‘village’ on campus, as Melissa Leaupepe explains Melissa Leaupepe University of Auckland
AI or VR? Matching emerging tech to real-world learningDefining the problem can determine the best tech to deliver realistic training environments. Here is how one media lab demystifies technology-enabled learning experiences and empowers educators to develop their ownMartin Brown , Philip Poronnik, Claudio Corvalan-Diaz, William Havellas University of Sydney
Virtually writing together: creating community while supporting individual endeavourLessons in setting up and running a virtual writing group that facilitates individual and collaborative work through a supportive community of practiceKaren KennyUniversity of Exeter
Supporting LGBTQ+ aspiring leaders in universitiesLGBTQ+ staff bring to campus qualities such as courage and sensitivity that are key to leadership. Now a UK programme aims to develop those strengths in future academic and professional services leaders Catherine Lee, Daniel BurmanAnglia Ruskin University
Making space for innovation: a higher education challengeRisk, chance and disruption can be paths to innovative teaching practice. Here, Michelle Prawer offers ways to bring more flexibility into the classroomMichelle PrawerVictoria University
Can online oral exams prevent cheating?Online checking tools often flag non-suspicious behaviour along with suspected academic misconduct. Here, educators share lessons learned from using an online oral exam to check students’ understandingTemesgen Kifle, Anthony JacobsThe University of Queensland
A help desk to protect intellectual propertyHow an intellectual property help desk set up by a university library team is helping inventors protect their work, with lessons on what has proven most effectiveFrank SoodeenThe University of the West Indies
Autonomy, fun and other benefits of student-centred learning designPutting students at the core of learning design can bring business and commerce studies to life, writes Guan WangGuan WangMacau University of Science and Technology
A tool to navigate information overloadShonagh Douglas shares a tool that directs students to the specific advice they need when searching through online resources and offers lessons in how to recreate similar aids elsewhereShonagh DouglasRobert Gordon University
How university leaders can use an ‘innovation for’ mindset to drive enrolmentFor US colleges and universities, the key to turning around falling enrolment is to directly respond to concerns about affordability, accessibility and return on investment, writes Nivine Megahed Nivine MegahedNational Louis University
To improve the admission process, get faculty involvedFaculty collaboration with the undergraduate admission team can improve class participation, retention rates, course matches and funding yield – and help reduce misinformation about the process and decisionsRick ClarkGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
The power of events to build belonging among studentsXJTLU’s new Entrepreneur College had to work fast to build a sense of belonging among its first student cohorts, and one way it did this was by hosting a series of events. Xiaotong Lu shares the strategies adoptedXiaotong LuXi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University
Full circle: using the cycle of teaching, module design and researchHow research, module design and classroom delivery in creative fields inform one another in circular and essential practices. Glenn Fosbraey shares his own teaching as a case study Glenn Fosbraey University of Winchester
Matching technology training to industry needs: a case studyProfessional development courses, especially in rapidly developing technologies, must evolve to meet industry needs. Here, Daniel Garrote explains how his institution created a master’s in the Internet of ThingsDaniel Garrote Nuclio Digital School
My experience of speaking in front of a select committeeNicola Searle shares lessons for academics on speaking in front of a parliamentary select committee, to provide insight on topics linked to your researchNicola SearleGoldsmiths, University of London, Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN)
A holistic approach to student support Student support, particularly for care-leavers or estranged students, is vital throughout their university journey – from pre-application to beyond graduation. Here, Fran Hornsby and Rebecca Clark offer tips for demonstrating genuine care as you do itFran Hornsby, Rebecca ClarkUniversity of York
Peer mentoring to support staff well-being: lessons from a pilotA peer mentoring scheme designed to support staff well-being is being piloted at Staffordshire University. Fiona Cust and Jessica Runacres share lessons on how the initiative has been developed Fiona Cust, Jessica RunacresStaffordshire University
Decolonising learning through access to primary sourcesMathematicians have always looked at old problems in new ways. A database of original sources will give university-level mathematics students a global, historical view of their subjectJune Barrow-Green , Brigitte StenhouseThe Open University
Mini virtual writing retreats to support and connect tuteesA guide to organising mini virtual writing retreats each week to build a supportive scholarly community within a personal tutoring groupAspasia Eleni Paltoglou Manchester Metropolitan University
A model for deploying AI across a university and regionA new supercomputer, new faculty and partnerships with higher education and industry leaders helped the University of Florida transform itself into an AI powerhouse, creating a blueprint for other institutions to followCheryl MartinNVIDIA
A collective action framework to help Ukraine’s universities survive and rebuildThere is great potential for like-for-like aid among institutions during times of crises. Here are five lessons from a project that pairs institutions in Ukraine with partners around the worldCharles Cormack, Blanca Torres-OlaveCormack Consultancy Group
How to train university staff to become anti-racist agents of changeAdvice on supporting higher education professionals to become anti-racist agents of change, based on Adam Danquah’s experience doing so within his institutionAdam DanquahUniversity of Manchester
A guide to promoting equity in HE for refugees and asylum seekersSteps that universities can take to help refugees and asylum seekers access and successfully progress through higher educationYeşim Deveci, Claire Mock-Muñoz de Luna , Jess OddyUniversity of East London
Mix technology and personal contact to support studentsA sophisticated algorithm and a simple phone call have proved to be a formula for student retention. And it’s not stopping as the pandemic recedes, says Jonathan Powles Jonathan PowlesUniversity of the West of Scotland
Virtual mobility: a first step to creating global graduatesIf universities are serious about creating global graduates, they must explore virtual opportunities to build confidence and enthusiasm for international travel, says Alex ReganAlex ReganCoventry University
Home labs and simulations to spark curiosity and explorationFrancesco Fornetti explains how home lab kits and simulation tools can help spark curiosity and exploration among engineering studentsFrancesco Fornetti University of Bristol
Food for thought: advice for building a university-community collaborationPlanning and communication can turn good intentions into lasting benefits for students, faculty and the community. Joshua Gruver shares his advice for successful outreach, based on his experience developing a local farmers market0]oshua GruverBall State University
Flip the script: why listening is the best form of outreachIn aiming to widen participation, it’s easy to get lost in your own passion. Instead focus on understanding others’ needs – and keep it simpleLynne Bianchi University of Manchester
How a sustainable internship programme can support social mobilityStudents from disadvantaged backgrounds can remain on the back foot when entering the workforce. This programme offers higher education practitioners a replicable model that includes professional skills development and access Fiona Hudson, Inís Fitzpatrick , Cathy McloughlinDublin City University
Collective voices, zero toleranceUniversities can use their ability to engage with students to effect cultural change, as the Bystander Intervention initiative to combat sexual abuse has shown. Louise Crowley explains how they did itLouise CrowleyUniversity College Cork
So, you want to reach out? Lessons from a ‘science for all’ programmePublic engagement in STEM strengthens research relevance and trust in science, but how can universities do it well? Here, the team behind S4 give three considerations based on a decade of effective outreach to disadvantaged schoolsMary Gagen , Will Bryan, Rachel BryanSwansea University
Counter-mapping as a pedagogical tool Engaging students with urban spaces can contextualise and deepen learning and bring in inclusive perspectives. Daniel Gutiérrez-Ujaque and Dharman Jeyasingham explain how counter-mapping can be used as a pedagogical toolDaniel Gutiérrez-Ujaque , Dharman Jeyasingham Brunel University London , University of Manchester
The practicalities of delivering a multi-institutional online workshopLessons from planning and delivering a multi-institutional online workshop for university teachers designed to find solutions to common educational challengesKelly Edmunds , Richard BowaterUniversity of East Anglia
Experiential education through a simulated summit to combat human trafficking Advice on setting pedagogical goals and planning a simulated international summit to support experiential learning for remote students, by Clara Chapdelaine-Feliciati Clara Chapdelaine-Feliciati Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University
How professional practitioners help connect crime theory with real-world investigationsBringing professional practitioners into classes to share real-world case studies helps students contextualise learning and see how theories play out in reality. Paul McFarlane explains how this works on his crime science coursesPaul McFarlaneUniversity College London
Lessons from completing an award-winning knowledge transfer projectEight key components of a successful knowledge transfer project (KTP), drawing from the experience of an award-winning initiative to develop an online teaching platform for primary care cliniciansRachel McCrindle, Richard Mitchell, Yota DimitriadiUniversity of Reading
In the loop: how formative feedback supports remote teachingWeekly snapshots of how students see their own progress can help teachers adjust teaching methods in real time. An online tool piloted at Georgia Tech has helped fill a feedback loop lost during the pandemic Jonna Lee , Meryem Yilmaz SoyluGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
Tutor training for architect-educators: twinning, observation, reflection and testing Staff development and training for architecture tutors is very limited. This resource looks back at a tutor training programme that ran from 1996 to 2002, and draws lessons for future architect-educatorsMartin W. Andrews, Mary CaddickThe University of Portsmouth
Planning forward: whole system support for marginalised learners in higher educationSteps towards taking a whole system approach to developing higher education that supports marginalised learners, thinking inclusively from the outsetCarrie Bauer, Cindy Bonfini-Hotlosz, Charley WrightArizona State University, Centreity
How to develop a code of conduct for ethical research fieldworkA code of conduct for ethical research fieldwork developed by two researchers at the University of Oxford has been taken up by departments across the institution and beyond. The code authors, Catherine Fallon Grasham and Laura Picot, share lessons they learned along the wayCatherine Fallon Grasham, Laura PicotUniversity of Oxford
Pedagogical wellness specialist: the role that connects teaching and well-being Does faculty well-being affect student outcomes? Exploring this question in the wake of post-Covid burnout and trauma led UCI to create a new position that prioritises teacher wellnessAndrea AebersoldUniversity of California, Irvine
Bridges to study: how to create a successful online foundation courseOnline access courses can enable more students who don’t come to higher education directly from high school to smoothly enter university. Here are tips for designing an effective online university foundation programmeJane Habner , Pablo MunguiaFlinders University
What’s the story? Creative ways to communicate your researchEarly in your academic research, you should ask how you can creatively communicate it to a wide audience. The results may surprise you, says Steven BeschlossSteven BeschlossArizona State University
A STEAM adventure: running a hybrid English immersion campLessons in designing a hybrid English immersion camp that boosts language proficiency while developing key life skills Rossana Mántaras , Eugenia Balseiro, Lorena CalzoniTechnological University of Uruguay (UTEC)
Creative projects as a way of bringing students togetherTips for developing an institution-wide creative project through which students make friends and learn from one another, shared by Karen Amanda Harris Karen Amanda HarrisUniversity of the Arts London
Block to the future: why block scheduling has taken so long to catch onBlock teaching has been around since the mid-noughties, but those short-lived early trials were ahead of the curve. Simon Thomson and Carl Flattery explore why block planning might finally be having its dayCarl Flattery, Simon ThomsonLeeds Beckett University, University of Manchester
Outside in: use your students’ curiosity to invigorate your teachingBreaking up the classroom routine with field trips and visiting experts is an essential teaching tool. Here’s how university educators can use physical and virtual resources to make lessons more engagingM. C. Zhang, Aliana LeongMacau University of Science and Technology
The role of complementary higher education pathways for refugeesEducation has emerged as a pathway to sustainable resettlement for displaced people but establishing programmes requires leaders to overcome considerable challengesManal Stulgaitis , Gül İnanç UNHCR, University of Auckland
Lessons in helping remote students obtain practical work experienceUniversities face obstacles in helping distance learners access practical work experience. Ewout van der Schaft and Alex Mackrell share insight from initiatives at their business schoolEwout van der Schaft, Alex Mackrell Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University
Education for humanity: designing learner-centric solutions for refugee studentsKey tenets to successfully, and sustainably, designing university initiatives that support refugee learners around the globe using digital resources, based on five years of running the Education for Humanity initiative at Arizona State UniversityNicholas Sabato, Joanna ZimmermanArizona State University
How to turn a PhD project into a commercial ventureTransforming a doctoral research project into a commercially viable product requires astute decision-making from the start. Manjinder Kainth and Nicola Wilkin share a beginner’s guideManjinder Kainth, Nicola Wilkin Graide, University of Birmingham
Increasing access to higher education for refugees through digital learningIn Lebanon, a project designed to increase access to higher education for Syrian refugees through digital learning has been piloted with success. Rabih Shibli shares lessons from developing PADILEIA Rabih ShibliAmerican University of Beirut
Helping refugees get their qualifications recognisedTips for how higher education institutions and accreditation authorities can recognise refugees’ qualifications even when they cannot be fully documentedSjur BerganCouncil of Europe
Embedding equality, diversity and inclusion within public policy training for academicsSteps higher education institutions can take to make their policy engagement training programmes as diverse and inclusive as possible, based on the experience of a UK universityAudrey TanUniversity College London
Making undergraduate access to research experience transparent and inclusiveA barrier to research careers is accessing the relevant experience. Saloni Krishnan and Nura Sidarus outline a scheme that has helped a wider range of undergraduate students secure research placementsSaloni Krishnan, Nura SidarusRoyal Holloway, University of London
How a rich extracurricular campus life nurtures well-rounded individualsSoft skills such as organisation, communication and networking are often developed outside the classroom. Here’s how universities can help their students learn vital life skillsM. C. Zhang, Aliana LeongMacau University of Science and Technology
How we used a business management theory to help students cope with uncertaintyUncertainty is a major challenge to mental health so a team at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University used a business management tool to help students cope with worries about the future. Here, they explain howZheng Feei Ma, Jian Li Hao, Yu Song, Peng LiuXi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University
Eight ways UK academics can help students and researchers from Ukrainian universitiesFrom joining a working group to mentoring and collaborating, UK scholars can support Ukrainian scientists and make a difference, no matter how small Anna K. Bobak, Valentina Mosienko, Igor Potapov University of Stirling, University of Bristol, University of Liverpool
How can universities support Ukrainian students? Advice from a Polish institutionRapid response actions that universities can take to support Ukrainian students and academics, based on the experience of a Polish institutionPaweł ŚpiechowiczUniversity of Lodz
Blended professionals: how to make the most of ‘third space’ expertsIntegrated practitioners – staff who bridge the worlds of academia and professional services – are increasingly important to universities. Here’s why this space matters and how to capitalise on itEmily McIntosh, Diane NuttMiddlesex University
How universities can support refugee students and academicsAfghan Chevening scholar Naimatullah Zafary, who was among the last people to be airlifted to safety from Kabul, explains how institutions can support refugee students and staff who arrive in an unfamiliar country after experiencing perilous journeys and severe traumaNaimatullah Zafary University of Sussex
Recruiting university tutors using an interactive group activityHiring candidates with strong academic results may seem like the best way to recruit tutors. But this does not always mean they will have the right attributes to support student learning. In this video, Carl Sherwood explains how and why to use a group interview process to recruit university tutorsCarl SherwoodThe University of Queensland
Tackling climate change requires university, government and industry collaboration – here’s howUniversities must work with government and industry to drive climate action. Anna Skarbek outlines key principles that should shape the approachAnna SkarbekMonash University, Climateworks Centre
The challenges of creating a multidisciplinary research centre and how to overcome themHow to overcome the challenges of setting up a collaborative research centre designed to break down institutional silos and structuresAndrew Tobin, Laura TylerUniversity of Glasgow
Revolving roles: creating inclusive, engaging, participant-led learning activities ‘Revolving roles’ is a simple, adaptable method for designing learning activities that challenge and change conventional ‘leader’ and ‘participant’ responsibilities, embrace students’ diverse needs, and develop their unique attributes, as Pablo Dalby explainsPablo DalbyUniversity of East Anglia
Asynchronous communication strategies for successful learning design partnerships Asynchronous communication that builds rapport among university course designers and external edtech providers, explained by Rae Mancilla and Nadine Hamman in the first part of a series looking at strategies for successful learning design partnershipsRae Mancilla , Nadine HammanUniversity of Pittsburgh, University of Cape Town
Developing a faculty-IT partnership for seamless teaching supportA simple way to ensure quicker and more transparent handling of technical hiccups that builds trust between teaching faculty and IT teams, explained by Xin Bi Xin Bi Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University
Decolonising medicine, part two: empowering studentsThe decolonisation of medicine involves making students active agents of their learning and designing assessments relevant to the skills gained through the process, as Musarrat Maisha Reza explains in her second advice resource on the topicMusarrat Maisha RezaUniversity of Exeter
The evolution of activeflex learning: why and how The evolution of activeflex learning as a way to keep students engaged online, and how to overcome problems when using this teaching model, by Mark Gale Mark GaleAthens State University
Lessons for universities from using ‘bots’ in the NHSAdvice on how higher education institutions could apply Robotic Process Automation to improve efficiencies, based on lessons from its use in the NHSCarol GloverKFM, a subsidiary of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
A guide to using open educational resources: an experiential case studyThe benefits of OERs to researchers and students in the Global South affect all levels of scholarship, from teaching to publishing, writes Innocent ChirisaInnocent ChirisaUniversity of Zimbabwe
Catering to Gen Z’s needs: creating a flexible and adaptable education programmeUniversities need to teach broad knowledge and skills that will help graduates adapt in a fast-changing future workplace. Three academics share insights from developing a generalist approach to training business students Eric Chee, Roy Ying, Winnie ChanThe Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
Mind the gap: creating a pathway for post-doctoral researchers to gain teaching experiencePostdoctoral researchers often struggle to secure teaching experience so institutions need to develop opportunities for these academics to support or lead classes. Ellen Bull explains how this can be doneEllen BellUniversity of East Anglia
Students supporting educators: are you harnessing the talent of your own graduates?Employing students to support educators not only boosts overall digital expertise but elevates graduate employability, course design and the student voiceLisa Harris, Caitlin KightUniversity of Exeter
How to change the default settings that exclude women in sub-Saharan Africa from higher educationAngeline Murimirwa outlines the steps necessary to support young women from marginalised communities in sub-Saharan Africa into and through higher educationAngeline MurimirwaCAMFED (Campaign for Female Education)
Embedding gender equality: building momentum for changeEileen Drew explains how positive leadership, data-informed actions and priorities, mass engagement and collaboration all feed into a successful gender equality initiativeEileen DrewTrinity College Dublin
Widening access to postgraduate studies: from research to strategy to actionProviding equitable access into and through higher education is a constant battle, especially in postgraduate research, but barriers can be addressed when evidence is connected to action, as Diane Gill explains Diane GillThe University of Edinburgh
How to use storytelling-based assessment to increase student confidenceCarl Sherwood explains how to set up an authentic assessment task using students’ own contextualised writingCarl SherwoodThe University of Queensland
Accelerating towards net zero emissions: how to mobilise your university on climate actionJohn Madden provides insight on how universities can mobilise their intellectual and institutional capacities to accelerate towards net zero emissionsJohn MaddenUniversity of British Columbia
‘Embrace messiness’: how to broker global partnerships to tackle the Sustainable Development GoalsAnnelise Riles and Meghan Ozaroski share advice on bringing universities around the world together to address global problems, such as climate change, by investing in relationships, thinking long-term and working around inevitable bumpsAnnelise Riles, Meghan OzaroskiNorthwestern University
How to design early college programmes that foster success for under-represented studentsDavid Dugger explains what an early college programme should focus on in order to improve outcomes for students from under-represented groupsDavid DuggerEastern Michigan University
How using digital workbooks can increase student engagement and help institutions go greenHow to move from printed to digital workbooks rich with interactive content such as audio, video and quizzes, to improve online learning outcomes while boosting sustainabilityYan Wei, Paul TuckXi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University
Working with student activists to speed up progress towards a sustainable futureJaime Toney explains how working with grassroots student activists can help accelerate institutional action towards the Sustainable Development GoalsJaime ToneyUniversity of Glasgow
Unmasking the scientist: breaking down anonymity to build relationships when teaching onlineSimple solutions to link students’ names to faces and build a rapport with individuals in your class when teaching online, by Kelly Edmunds and Bethan Gulliver Kelly Edmunds , Bethan GulliverUniversity of East Anglia
Online exams are growing in popularity: how can they be fair and robust?Nicholas Harmer and Alison Hill share advice on using unique datasets to deter student collusion in online examsNicholas Harmer, Alison HillUniversity of Exeter
Co-creating an interdisciplinary well-being module for all studentsElena Riva and Wiki Jeglinska explain how academics can work with students to co-create well-being modules that span multiple disciplines and support students’ self-care, drawing on their own experience of collaborating on such a schemeElena Riva, Wiki JeglinskaUniversity of Warwick
Study trips and experiential learning: from preparation to post-trip reflectionRebecca Wang outlines the key steps to take before, during and after a successful international field tripRebecca WangUniversity of Westminster
Building an inclusive learning community to deliver a race equality curriculumRicardo Barker and Syra Shakir reflect on how to set up a curriculum that engages everybody in conversations about race equalityRicardo Barker , Syra ShakirLeeds Trinity University
Lessons from organising a virtual international student camp to develop the next generation of leaders in sustainabilityYhing Sawheny and Ashutosh Mishra offer advice on organising a virtual international event after bringing students together online to hone their leadership skills in sustainabilityYhing Sawheny, Ashutosh MishraSiam University
Using community-based research projects to motivate learning among engineering studentsTrithos Kamsuwan explains how community-based research projects can be used to motivate students, creating opportunities to apply principles they have learned in class to solve real-world problemsTrithos Kamsuwan Siam University
Creating equitable research partnerships across continentsShabbar Jaffar provides tips for successful international collaborations built on trust, appropriate recognition and inclusiveness in decision-makingShabbar JaffarLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Changing lives through community engagement and outreachJosephine Bleach outlines questions that higher education institutions should ask to help them foster authentic community engagement that improves educational outcomes for children, families and communitiesJosephine BleachNational College of Ireland
Talking about taboos: how to create an open atmosphere for discussing difficult subjectsLindsay Morgan offers practical, step-by-step advice for removing barriers to addressing uncomfortable topics such as consent and menstruationLindsay MorganEdinburgh Napier University
How to revitalise student knowledge exchange with local communitiesHow co-creating an ‘umbrella’ programme can help institutions innovate student knowledge exchange and improve engagement with local communities and businesses, a team from Queen Mary University of London explainPatrick McGurk, Joanne Zhang, Fezzan Ahmed, Olivia ReidQueen Mary University of London
Collaborative learning cases: a fresh approach to applied learning A group of medical educators introduce a new teaching model being used to improve students’ ability to apply learning in clinical or real-world settings through collaborative work on specific cases Dujeepa SamarasekeraNational University of Singapore
Engaging students in applied research to tackle Sustainable Development Goals Jen O’Brien describes a pedagogical project that engages students in applied research carried out in partnership with external organisations, related to the Sustainable Development Goals Jen O'BrienUniversity of Manchester
A model for developing global expertise in blended learningDaniella Bo Ya Hu outlines a framework for building expertise in blended learning using lessons in capacity development, staff incentivisation and leadership learned from an international pilot training programmeDaniella Bo Ya HuThe Association of Commonwealth Universities
How a community of practice can foster virtual collaboration Eugene Schulz and Dagmar Willems share insights and takeaway lessons from creating a community of practice for higher education instructors to develop virtual exchanges with international partnersEugene Schulz, Dagmar WillemsGerman Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Generating immersive, large-scale teaching experiences in video games Richard Fitzpatrick and Thomas Little offer insights for designing and developing immersive learning experiences using video games, based on their experience using Minecraft in their teaching Richard Fitzpatrick, Thomas LittleThe University of Edinburgh
Students as educators: the value of assessed blogs to showcase learningMatt Davies explains how assessed blogs help translate the thrill of interactive learning into tangible outcomes that enrich and showcase students’ knowledgeMatt Davies